Things to Do in Downtown and MidCity
Where Huntsville began, around a spring, plus a new entertainment district to the west.
See top-rated activities »About downtown Huntsville
Downtown Huntsville grew around the Big Spring, a limestone spring at the foot of a bluff that supplied the town's water for generations. Big Spring International Park now wraps the spring and the lagoon below it in lawns and walking paths, with a red Japanese bridge dedicated in 1977 and gifts from several other countries along the way. The Huntsville Museum of Art sits on the park, and the Von Braun Center, the city's arena, concert hall and convention complex, is just across the street.
Courthouse Square, a block uphill, is ringed by restaurants and bars, including one of the city's best dining rooms in an early 1800s building. East of the square, the Twickenham Historic District has one of the largest concentrations of antebellum homes in Alabama. The Weeden House Museum, built in 1819, offers guided tours on a set schedule, and the neighboring Old Town district continues the walk through Victorian-era streets.
Alabama Constitution Hall Park, run by EarlyWorks Museums, re-creates the town of 1819, when delegates met in Huntsville to write the state's first constitution; costumed interpreters work a print shop and a blacksmith shop. EarlyWorks Children's Museum, nearby, has hands-on history exhibits for younger kids. Downtown Huntsville Inc. runs markets, food truck rallies and movie nights through the year, and most downtown sights are close enough to see on foot in a morning.
A few miles west along University Drive, MidCity replaced the old Madison Square Mall with a walkable district of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Its centerpiece, the Orion Amphitheater, opened in 2022 and books touring musicians from spring through fall, and in December it hosts a German-style Christmas market. MidCity also has an outdoor gear store, a grocery and a cluster of restaurants, so it is a convenient stop for supplies before a hike on Monte Sano. Nearby on Governors Drive, Stovehouse turned an old factory into a food garden with several kitchens, bars and live music.
Don’t Miss
The spring where Huntsville began, with a lagoon, walking paths and a red Japanese bridge dedicated in 1977.
Changing exhibitions and a permanent collection in Big Spring Park; open late on Thursdays and closed Mondays.
An 1819 Federal-style home in the Twickenham district, shown on guided tours at set times.
A re-created 1819 village where Alabama's first constitution was written, with working print and blacksmith shops.
Huntsville's arena, concert hall, playhouse and rooftop bar complex next to Big Spring Park.
An open-air amphitheater opened in 2022 that books national touring acts and hosts a holiday market.
A food garden in a former factory with several kitchens, bars, games and weekly events.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in downtown Huntsville
Tours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 27, 2026. Best in Huntsville may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »downtown Huntsville — FAQ
Is downtown Huntsville walkable?
Yes. Big Spring Park, Courthouse Square, the museum of art, Constitution Hall Park and the Twickenham district are all within a short walk of each other. MidCity is a few miles west and is easiest by car or rideshare.
Where is the Japanese bridge in Huntsville?
The red bridge crosses the lagoon in Big Spring International Park downtown, next to the Huntsville Museum of Art.
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